Is your dinner table a battlefield? You aren't alone. But your child isn't doomed to a diet of white bread and chicken nuggets -- there's hope. Kids are more likely to try foods that they had a hand in cooking.More >>

Is your dinner table a battlefield? You aren't alone. But your child isn't doomed to a diet of white bread and chicken nuggets -- there's hope. Kids are more likely to try foods that they had a hand in cooking.More >>

With the holidays fast approaching, you want to keep your pets in mind as you begin creating a festive atmosphere.More >>

Owning a cat or dog is a joy, but like with most joyful things in life, taking care of them requires a bit of sacrifice. With the holidays fast approaching, you want to keep your pets in mind as you begin creating a festive atmosphere.More >>

If your typical Christmas morning is a wild roller coaster ride that peters out after 10 minutes of frenzied unwrapping, perhaps it’s time to instill some new traditions. Here are seven holiday activities to slow down and make the morning more magical and memorable for both you and your children.

Santa Proof

On Christmas morning, your children will adore finding “evidence” that Santa was at their home. Write a letter from the jolly man, track muddy boot prints through the kitchen, or leave a lone jingle bell out in the driveway (it fell off a reindeer, of course!).

Open the Presents Slowly

If by slow, you’re thinking in the time it takes to sip a cup of coffee, try again! My husband’s family opened presents throughout the entire day, taking breaks for meals and church. He says that he loved the anticipation of this tradition -- and it helped him appreciate each gift more.

Donate Old Toys

This tradition not only frees up space in your closets; it also instills gratitude in your children’s hearts. Tell your child that Santa has instructed him to leave unwanted, old toys under the tree and that Santa plans to donate them to kids in need. In the morning, the old toys will be gone and new ones will be waiting.

Festive Pajamas

The night before Christmas, pass out one present per family member -- matching pajamas! On Christmas morning, everyone will look very stylish, and the cute photo opportunities will be never-ending.

Gift Hunt

If Santa is giving your children a big present -- like a bike -- consider creating a treasure hunt to draw out the “present opening” process. Wrap the first instruction up in a box and send her throughout the entire house (maybe the entire neighborhood!) looking for more clues. My family was big on treasure hunts on Christmas morning, and I have so many fond memories of joyfully searching through the house.

Christmas Brunch

Make your family’s favorite food part of your Christmas morning tradition. Homemade pancakes, cinnamon rolls or customized omelets are always a hit. Keep your brunch intimate or invite over extended family and friends for a larger celebration.

Throw a Birthday Party

If you’re religious, throw Jesus a birthday party on Christmas. Bake him a cake after opening presents and sing him “Happy Birthday!” at dinner. This is a wonderful way to remind your children of the reason for the season, which can be difficult to do amongst all the boxes and bows.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.